"I wonder who won"

Rating: 9/10 (27 August 2006)

I'm 57 years old, female, and grew up in the sixties. Most of the time I can't stand watching old war movies because they're so blatantly patriotic, the actors are always making overly-dramatic speeches for the camera, and the Germans are always portrayed as monsters.
So, I was stunned to realize I had watched The Longest Day in its entirety, and thought it one of the greatest war movies ever created. I found myself absolutely mesmerized by the reality of the film, especially considering it was made almost 45 years ago. I enjoyed seeing the preparations for the invasion from so many different viewpoints, and the focus on the feelings and thought processes of the combatants, rather than the blood-and-guts of today's films.
I alternated between anger and pride throughout the movie. And unlike one viewer who commented on the scene, Richard Beymer's comment, "I wonder who won", actually brought a lump to my throat because it was such an unexpectedly subtle reminder of the sacrifices made by so many during war.
Truly one of the best movies ever made.